A study of Portuguese children and teenagers aged 9 to 17 found that 85 percent have used generative artificial intelligence tools.
The report, titled Children and Young People (9-17 years old) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Portugal, reveals that adoption in Portugal is 10 percentage points above the European average.
The survey was conducted by the EU Kids Online network between May and December 2025, sampling 2,111 children and young people across Portugal. EU Kids Online is an international research network that monitors digital habits, online safety, and children's rights across European nations.
Despite high adoption rates, researchers reported that young people's understanding of how generative AI systems operate, including their inherent biases and potential risks, remains limited. Usage increases significantly as children grow older and occurs predominantly within school environments.
School work and age trends
School activities represent the primary driver of AI adoption among Portuguese youth. According to the study, 47 percent of respondents use generative AI tools to write texts or complete school assignments, while 48 percent use them to summarize information.
Educational usage varies sharply by age bracket. Among teenagers aged 15 to 17, 63 percent use AI for schoolwork. That proportion drops to 48 percent among children aged 12 to 14, and falls further to 28 percent among those aged 9 to 11.
The surge in classroom adoption comes as AI technology becomes increasingly widespread across European workplaces, where more than half of workers in the eurozone now use artificial intelligence in their daily operations.
Health advice and personal concerns
Beyond academic tasks, young people in Portugal are using AI tools as conversational sounding boards for personal matters. The study found that 23 percent of respondents consult AI to discuss and seek advice on physical health and well-being.
An identical 23 percent of young users report turning to AI tools to discuss personal issues that cause them concern or worry.
Lisbon conference presentation
The complete survey results will be presented on September 7 and 8 at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of NOVA University Lisbon. NOVA University Lisbon is a public research institution located in the Portuguese capital.
The presentation will take place during the conference titled EU Kids Online Portugal: New Uses, New Risks? Digital Rights of Children and Young People. Attendees will examine the survey findings and discuss strategies for educators to manage emerging digital trends.
The upcoming conference coincides with broader regulatory shifts across the continent as European artificial intelligence legislation comes into force and the European Union establishes a dedicated team to monitor compliance with AI regulations.
